Browse:

Presence is Not Momentary

In yoga class we practice breath work and relaxation techniques to quiet the mind and to bring ourselves to be “in the present.” We use this mental exercise to let go of expectations, stress, worry or anything else that may upset us. In contrast, constantly living for the moment can cause our minds to become soft as we begin to listen to physical sensations rather than our minds. Life happens and we must learn to be truly present.

When we go about our days, we may get caught up so much in the momentary here and now that we begin to lose sight of the future:

1. “I don’t like working out, so I am quitting.”

2. “I love this chocolate cake, so I am going to eat three pieces!”

3. “I am so tired that I have to call-in sick for my job.”

4. “I want to win this argument so badly, and I don’t want my pride to suffer, so I am going to win at all costs!”

If we actively follow through the above momentary thoughts habitually, we find that we stop working out, we gain weight, we lose our jobs and put distance in our relationships with others.

Instead, when we have an emotional drive that beckons to us in opposition of logical thought, we need to take more than a moment to think through the results. As we think through, we will often find the results include negative consequences and drive us away from our true goals and intentions.

Being present should bring us peace of mind and the ability to sharpen our mental faculties. Being present teaches us to endure momentary difficulties which pass like the turning of the tide. Being present allows us to think through any idea, thought, argument or problem and reach a logical conclusion.